A month from the election, starting today late fees, negative items on personal credit reports, and collections actions that can include wage garnishment and the seizing of tax refunds or federal benefits will resume for student loan borrowers who miss payments. It didn't have to be this way.A month from the election, starting today late fees, negative items on personal credit reports, and collections actions that can include wage garnishment and the seizing of tax refunds or federal benefits will resume for student loan borrowers who miss payments. It didn't have to be this way.

The Self-Imposed October Surprise

The Education Department’s protections for student loan borrowers who have missed payments end today.